my baby has been walking since about 9 months, and her legs have been bowed pretty much since then at her 9 month visit the dc said nothing about it. Now at her most recent appointment they set up an appt with the orthapedic for a visit. What should I expect, my dc didnt give me any answers as to what we do next. How do they treat bow legs? She said it's not as severe as she's seen, but it's definately noticable when she walks. She walks and runs just fine. I guess my question is how do they correct the legs, what do they do and how will it affect my active toddler? Thanks in advance=)
Lots of great help so far!! Thanks. Our appointment is set for July 7th, our insurance covers everything so it doesnt hurt to just get it checked out=)Thanks again this is a great site to just get peace of mind;)
Probably you are already referred, but you should look into Gillette Children's. Highly specialized and this would be one of their areas.
Dear ML,
My oldest daughter had SEVERELY bowed legs. We took her to 6 orthopedic doctors over the course of a year, including the head of Pediatric Orthopedics at Miami Childrens Hospital. We took her to a pediatric chiropractor and many, many doctors.
The end result was this: The head of Pediatric Orthopedics in Miami said that we should leave her legs alone and that eventually they would straighten out though she may be a little pidgeon toed. She is indeed, just that but her legs are completely straight. Several doctors suggested braces however they couldn't agree on what kind of brace to use.
Ultimately, we ended up not touching her legs with braces and she is perfectly normal, except for the slight pidgeon toes. I asked the Dr. if this would be a problem for her in the future and he said that when it becomes important to her to walk with her toes pointed straight, she will do it. Again, he was correct. He also told me that Kristy Yamaguchi (sorry for the spelling) had the same problem, which is why her parents put her in a sport that forced her to keep her toes pointed straight. She also has beautifully straight legs.
Bottom line, take her to an orthopedic doctor for an evaluation so that you can rule out any issues, but be very cautious if he suggests braces right away.
Good luck and let us know how things turn out.
C.
i have a friend whose daughter was very bowed leg in one leg. her dr sent her to children's hospital and they ended up doing a brace. they told her that the brace would be needed for two years and after a year the brace was done away with. so braces on the legs can be very helpful!!!!!!!! the friend's daughter had blount's diease so maybe have your orthapedic check into that!!!!
Interesting because my doctor has never said anything about my child and her legs nock at the knees it's so bad. I think it's bad anyway. I just wanted to let you know that my child is in the same situation so I'll flag this to hear what others say:) Good question!
